Developing transferrable skills was critically important to take me forward into a role I wanted

Tom Stanley Class of 2019 DA

Name: Thomas Stanley
University: University of Winchester
Degree Apprenticeship Title: Digital and Technology Solutions
Classification: 2.1
Title of Dissertation: Cross platform applications
Employer: Fujitsu
Job Title: Software Developer

 

What was the best experience of your Tech Industry Gold accredited degree apprenticeship?

The most significant experiences I had during my Tech Industry Gold Degree accredited degree apprenticeship were working collaboratively on my final year Synoptic project with another Fujitsu degree apprentice, and developing a platform application development tool with support from the Fujitsu sales team.

What was the most challenging experience of your Tech Industry Gold accredited degree apprenticeship?

The most challenging experience was working in a different role to what I initially expected. I felt that what I had learned at university could not be applied in the workplace. Then I gradually realised that I needed to gain wider business experience in different roles. Developing transferrable skills were critically important to take me forward into a role that I wanted.

What would you say now, to yourself, before you enrolled on your degree apprenticeship?

When I applied for the Tech Industry Gold accredited degree,  I expected that I would be working in a software development role. However, this was not the case, as I was working in a very different role. Even though you may not enjoy a role you are asked to work in, you need to focus on the positive, as you never know how useful the experience could be in the future.

What would you say to anyone considering a Tech Industry Gold accredited degree apprenticeship?

Simply, do it!! At the end of the degree apprenticeship, you would have gained invaluable workplace experience and a degree. Some graduates can struggle to gain employment after graduation because they’re unable to demonstrate workplace experience.  As a Tech Industry Gold accredited degree apprentice, I now have four years work experience at Fujitsu. As I have demonstrated my commitment and experience to the company, I have secured continued full-time employment at Fujitsu.

What are your career plans?

Over the past four years I have matured as a software developer and I would like to continue working at Fujitsu.. The experience on the final year Synoptic project inspired me to work towards software development. I would also like to gain more experience managing software projects over the next few years.

Who inspires you?

Steve Jobs (Founder and CEO of Apple)

Elon Musk (CEO and Founder of Tesla)

Linus Sebastian (Linus Tech Tips YouTube Chanel)

Jon Tickle (Brainiac Science Abuse TV Show) – Jon delivered a presentation at college and said to always be optimistic about each and every opportunity.

Anything else to add?

A big huge ‘thank you’ to all my mentors, managers and colleagues at Fujitsu who have supported me throughout the Tech Industry Gold accredited degree apprenticeship.

Finally, without my experience at UTC Reading and their partnerships with local industry, I would never have known about or considered a Tech Industry Gold accredited degree apprenticeship.

Meet the Class of 2019 and find out more about Tech Industry Gold accredited degree apprenticeships

Find out more about Tech Industry Gold degree apprenticeships at the University of Winchester

Read our spotlight on the University of Winchester

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